IP security cameras aren’t particularly new, I remember trying my first one out for a client about 15 years ago. They used to be extremely expensive even for the most basic models. They weren’t very good either.

However, a few weeks ago I started looking for internet or IP cameras to install here at home while I was on holiday so that I could keep an eye on the place and on the building work going on at my home while I was away. I was surprised to find this IPcam from storage options for around £60. When you consider what you get for the money; motorised pan and tilt functionality, wireless and wired network connectivity and both day and night modes, it sounded like a bargain. I bought one!

I’ve recorded a brief unboxing video for you below and have been using the camera for a few weeks now. It’s quite impressive. IQ is acceptable but only VGA resolution. I like being able to control everything from the web interface though so you can move the camera around as well as set up email alerts when it detects movement or upload images via FTP and thanks to the infra-red LEDs you can see in total darkness too.

Storage Options IPcam unboxing video

Storage Options IPcam specification:

Hardware

CPU: DSP+MCU

OS: Built-in OS

Movement: Pan & Tilt Functionality

Warranty: 1 year

Video

Compression format: Motion-JPEG-N

Sensor: CMOS 300,000 pixel

Frame rate: 15fps

Resolution: VGA: 640 x 480

CIF: 320 x 240

Adjust: Brightness, contrast, chroma, saturation

Minimum illumination: 0.1 Lux/F1.2

S/N ratio: >48DB (AGC off)

Shutter speed: 1/50s (1/60s)

White balance: Auto

Backlight balance: Auto

Night vision: 5mm x 10 LED, IR 10m

Lens: F1.2/6mm, 54°, CS

Audio: Two-way

Pan / Tilt: Built-in RS485, Horizontal: 0-270°, Vertical: 0-900°

Network:

Internet interface: RJ-45, 10/100MB Ethernet network

Protocol: TCP/IP, HTTP, ICMP, DHCP, SMTP, PPPoE

Wireless: Wi-Fi, 802.11b/g (optional)

IP mode: Dynamic IP address, Static IP address

Alarm

Input / Output: 1 / 1

Intelligent motion detection: Motion detection setting

Alarm action: Support email, notes alarm

System requirement: Win98/SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7

Browser support: Internet Explorer 5.0+

Supports TCP/IP, SMTP and HTTP, sends image to your mailbox automatically when the alarm is triggered

Internal motion detection function or external sensor can be used to trigger recording